thanks a lot guys! I will take in all your advice and use it will. It has been a bit of trial and error for me, but we'll see.
I would still say that replacing the stock suspension seatpost is not a bad idea. For heavier riders, I feel like they are pretty worthless. I've had them on bikes even when I was in the lower 200's and didn't like them because of how they bounce and pogo when you pedal. They also make it hard to get consistent leg extension if the distance from the saddle to the pedals is always changing.
That is EXACTLY what I'm experiencing! I feel like I bounce when I pedal and it makes it hard for me to go at a steady cadence. I also feel like I go from leg extension being ok, to needing to rock my hips to pedal, and when I do that, I need to stretch my legs cutting "into" the seat, which hurts even more =/
I got the replacement seatpost for $13, I think it will be a great investment =)
thanks a lot!